Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. May 10, 2017
    82
    A frantic and ultraviolent ode to classic '90s FPSes, but with a 2D metroidvania structure. Challenging and gory, its only fault resides in an overly lo-fi graphic approach, with sometimes too indistinct elements.
  2. May 22, 2017
    80
    While DOOM was revolutionary for its hyper violence in the early 90’s, seeing violence and blood in almost any form of media these days is par the course. So while it doesn’t have that shock value that the legendary game BUTCHER is pulling its inspiration from, it nails the soul of the game perfectly, even with its completely different visual and gameplay style. BUTCHER doesn’t wear out its welcome with its perfect length and options for replayability with harder mode and collectibles.
  3. May 12, 2017
    80
    The look and feel all work well with each other. It really does look like a game from 1996. Even the level splash screen looks like Doom. From the over abundance of gore and blood to the industrial rock soundtrack, it just oozes 90’s nostalgia. While it may be a slightly short experience, there are multiple difficulty levels to try out. This could go either way. It could be a game you pick up and play all the way through, or a game that you try for about 20 minutes and never look at again. It really all depends on what kind of mood you’re in. If you’re in a mood for a fast paced old school run and gun kind of game, this is it and it does really well for itself. If you’re not or are looking for something with more substance, you may want to look elsewhere. Butcher is more for the players that want to turn off their brain for a little bit and just shoot some stuff, and you know what? It does a decent job with that.
  4. May 9, 2017
    80
    With the gratuitous violence that is included, it certainly isn’t a game for everyone but if you are comfortable with the destruction of humanity in your cybernetic hands, then BUTCHER is a game well worth keeping on your radar.
  5. Jun 4, 2017
    77
    Play as a cyborg eradicating the last remains of humanity in Butcher, a fast-paced ultraviolent and hard shooter. Travel to the classic concept with this game that exposes a direct action and bloody experience.
  6. May 14, 2017
    77
    Butcher is a game that fulfills what it promises. It's fun, has frenetic gameplay and offers good entertainment. It has a great soundtrack and is very well optimized. However, the game has a very short duration and could have a greater variety of enemy weapons.
  7. May 19, 2017
    70
    When the parents Quake and Contra choose Marus Fenix as a nanny, this is what their offspring might look like in puberty. Butcher is loud. It is bloody. It is challenging - unless you play on Casual, which definitely is for wussies.
  8. May 19, 2017
    70
    This one is fairly straight forward, since it is clearly built for a particular audience. Fans of oldschool 2D run-n-gun games will probably enjoy this game. While the difficulty may turn off some casual gamers, most people will know what they're getting into when they just look at the screenshots. If shooting bad guys and tons of gore is your thing, this one's got you covered.
  9. May 9, 2017
    70
    If you’re looking for a simple, affordable game to remind you of the days of '90s hyper-violence, Butcher has you covered. Offering you hardcore, gut-blasting fun throughout over twenty levels is a good deal for its price tag. While it doesn’t get old, it does distract from the feeling of variety that the games it takes inspiration from had in excess.
  10. May 24, 2017
    60
    Butcher perfectly captures the feeling of being in a gunfight – it's brutal, it's bloody, and it's over before you know it. Due to being brutal in both gameplay and aesthetic, not to mention a few major hang-ups, this isn't a game that's easy to recommend to everyone. That's too bad though because when it's good, it's bloody brilliant. If you don't mind getting some blood on your hands (and the floor, and the ceiling, and your face), then prepare to meet your doom.
  11. May 11, 2017
    60
    Butcher's main selling point is its pixelated violence and gore. Blood from kills actually stays where it lands and will be visible on subsequent playthroughs, which is a cool touch. The premise is supposed to resemble classic shooters like Doom and Quake, but you play as a good guy in those games, not a bad one. Just being a remorseless killing machine (with no other explanation for your actions) might've appealed to my teenage self, but not so much nowadays.
  12. 60
    Not much to look at, Butcher is an enjoyable slice of old-fashioned, gratuitously bloody and OTT side-scrolling bullet hell that's worth a pop, if that sounds like your cup of tea. Sorry. Your cup of blood.